Uganda has unveiled a Sh134 billion financing plan to accelerate preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), including a Sh6.4 billion payment to the Confederation of African Football and a temporary waiver of visa fees for visitors expected to attend the continental tournament.
The competition, which will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania from June 19 to July 18, 2027, is projected to draw between 500,000 and 650,000 visitors into Uganda, with the government estimating that it will generate at least Sh7.4 billion for the local economy. The funding package, approved by Cabinet, will support key sectors such as infrastructure, health, transport, hospitality and tournament operations under a coordinated framework involving multiple government agencies, a steering forum and the Local Organizing Committee.
A major share of the budget has been directed toward infrastructure works, with Sh31.6 billion allocated for upgrading roads, installing street lighting and constructing pedestrian walkways around Mandela National Stadium in Namboole and Hoima City Stadium. These improvements are intended to ease movement of teams, officials and fans during the tournament period.
Another Sh27.3 billion has been set aside for the construction of a passenger terminal at Kabalega International Airport, aimed at improving international travel access ahead of the event. The government says the facility will help handle increased passenger traffic linked to the tournament and strengthen Uganda’s aviation capacity.
In the health sector, Sh13.5 billion will go toward upgrading Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Masindi General Hospital and Buseruka Health Centre to meet required standards. The upgrades are meant to ensure readiness to handle medical needs for both residents and visitors during the tournament.
The tourism industry is also expected to benefit from Sh15 billion allocated through the Uganda Development Bank to support hotel upgrades and the development of new accommodation facilities. Authorities say this will help meet the expected rise in demand for lodging during the tournament.
For tournament operations, Sh16.3 billion has been allocated to cover logistics such as security arrangements, branding and fan services. Additional funds will also support upgrades at Kadiba Stadium and preparations for the national team, while redevelopment works at Namboole Stadium will bring total investment in the venue to Sh36.8 billion.
Uganda has also announced plans to waive visa fees for at least three months during the tournament period, alongside efforts to implement a joint “Pamoja visa” with Kenya and Tanzania to simplify cross-border movement for visitors.
Officials have described the preparations as requiring a “whole-of-country approach,” with all major infrastructure projects expected to be completed by January 2027 ahead of the tournament kickoff. Coordination is being handled through a multi-agency Local Organizing Committee working with other state bodies to align planning across sectors.
Kenya has already made its own contribution toward hosting duties, having paid about Sh3.87 billion to the Confederation of African Football as part of its obligations. The payment, according to Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, reflects the country’s “credibility, readiness, and unwavering commitment” to delivering a successful tournament.
Following a recent inspection by the Confederation of African Football, Kenya has shifted its focus to infrastructure upgrades, operational planning and compliance measures. A multi-agency Local Organizing Committee has also been established to coordinate preparations, with ongoing work on transport systems, stadium readiness and regional frameworks to support easier movement under the joint co-hosting arrangement.